A special session of the State Assembly convened here on Friday has passed a resolution expressing its solidarity over the Mullaperiyar dam issue.
The Chief Minister, Mr Oommen Chandy, piloted the resolution under Rule 275, which pushed the demand for a new dam some distance away from the existing structure, safety of which is suspect due to ageing and weathering.
SEISMIC SHOCKS
The resolution also expressed concern over dam safety due to a combination of adverse factors including seismic shocks from a string of ground movements recorded in the catchment area and heavy monsoon precipitation during alternating seasons.
Till such time as the new dam is raised, the standing water in the ageing dam should be brought down to a level of 120 feet as a step of abundant caution, the resolution said.
Alongside, it also sought to assure neighbouring Tamil Nadu, the other aggrieved party in the issue, its usual supply of Mullaperiyar waters that irrigate the rain-shadow districts on the leeward side of the Western Ghats.
PUBLIC SAFETY
But the State Government also wanted to ensure the safety of an estimated 30 lakh people in the districts of Idukki, Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta who faced a threat to their lives and property in the event of a breach of the Mullaperiyar dam.
This is because there was knowing what would happen to the downstream Idukki arch dam if Mullaperiyar waters were to be emptied to it in this manner.
A dam-break analysis commissioned by the State Government and being taken up by IIT-Roorkee is expected to assess the consequences and advise it on the flood-routing and other related aspects.
ENDLESS LITIGATION
The Chief Minister said he was pained that the neighbouring State has not been able to appreciate the demand for safety of the lakhs of people in the riparian districts in Kerala.
He also expressed his concern over the endless litigation in the matter that has defied closure even when faced with untoward incidents being reported from disparate areas in border districts.
Earlier, the Speaker, Mr G. Karthikeyan, requested Members of the House to engage in a manner that would raise the confidence level of the public at large.
They must also see to it that the rightful claims and privileges of the State are protected and its prestige restored.